How to Regrout Sink Tiles

Use a rotary tool and grout removal attachment for large areas.

Regrouting sink tiles uses the same tools and labor for regrouting any type of tile. Depending on how many tiles that need regrouting, you can do this manually or use a specific tool for the job. When the entire sink area needs to be regrouted, it is a better option to use a rotary tool and grout-removal attachment than to struggle and hack away at all of the deteriorating grout with a manual grout saw. However, either way produces satisfactory results, and once the grout has been effectively removed, regrouting the sink tiles is done exactly the same as if you were grouting from scratch.

1

Put on a pair of safety glasses. Whether you use a powered tool or a manual tool, pieces or grout or grout chips can fly up and get into your eyes.

2

Attach a grout removal attachment to a rotary tool. This is an ideal tool for use when you are going to removing a large area of grout around your sink. For smaller areas, a grout rake works just as well to remove the grout, but it is more time consuming.

3

Place the guide tabs of the grout-removal attachment between the tiles. This centers the carbide-tipped grout-removal bit between the tiles so it only cuts into and removes the grout. Adjust the depth of the bit to remove approximately 1/8 inch of the grout. In most cases, only the top layer of grout needs to be removed. However, when there are huge gaps between the tiles where the grout has fallen out, remove the grout adjacent to those edges just as deep.

4

Turn the rotary tool on and begin running the tip of the bit onto and over the grout. Doing this literally grinds the grout out from between the tiles. Continue grinding the grout out. Conversely, place the steel edge of the grout rake saw onto the grout between the tiles and begin sawing the tool back and forth over the grout. This method is just as effective as a rotary grout removing bit, however, it takes much longer.

5

Vacuum the tiles and the grout lines using a vacuum with a hose attachment. A wet/dry vac or a household vacuum with a hose works equally well for this task. Wipe the tiles off with a damp rag. Allow the area to dry.

6

Open a can of pre-mixed grout. Scoop some grout out with a putty knife and cover one end of the grout float. Press the covered end of the grout float against the tiles and push the grout into the spaces between them. Move the grout float over the tiles until the grout on the float has been used up. Reload the grout float and continue pressing the grout into the spaces between the tiles.

7

Wipe the tiles down with a damp rag once the grout has been floated into place. Allow the grout to fully dry, usually over a period of 24 hours, before using the sink area.

Things You Will Need

Safety glasses

Rotary tool and grout removal attachment or a grout rake

Vacuum with hose attachment

Damp rag

Pre-mix grout

Putty knife

Grout float

Grout seal

Tip

To make your grout more durable, apply a grout sealer onto the grout. Apply the first coat and allow it to dry, then apply a second coat for extra durability.

About the Author

Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice.